| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 7, 2022 |
PRESS CONTACT Abby Shepard abigail.shepard@firesidecampaigns.com |
Health Care Voices Founder Laura Packard Calls for Urgent Action on Build Back Better
In light of recent drug price increases, the time for Congress to act is now
DENVER — This week, the U.S. pharmaceutical industry announced price hikes on 442 different medications, an announcement that comes after months of negotiations on provisions to lower the cost of prescription drugs as part of the Build Back Better Act have stalled. These higher prices, along with high public support for the legislation, emphasize how important it is for the Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act as soon as possible.
Health Care Voices Founder and Affordable Care Act Advocate Laura Packard issued the following statement:
“The pharmaceutical industry’s price hike on hundreds of medications, just days into 2022 and in the midst of the omicron surge, is absolutely despicable. Americans already pay more than any other country for prescription drugs and are struggling to access and afford life-saving care. As we enter the third year of a global pandemic, they need support and relief, not added stress and higher costs.”
“This price hike is part of a long trend of Big Pharma looking out for their own pocketbooks at the expense of people’s well-being. Fortunately, Congress has the opportunity to act and provide Americans with the support they desperately need to survive, recover and thrive. The Build Back Better Act remains incredibly popular with the majority of Americans because it contains provisions like lowering prescription drug prices that will deliver direct, positive impacts to their lives.”
“I know firsthand what it’s like to have to choose between my life and my finances—a situation no one deserves to be in, and a situation the Build Back Better Act would help prevent for millions of Americans. We urge our Senators to act now and pass the Build Back Better Act.”
Laura Packard is a small business owner and health care advocate, executive director of Health Care Voter, and founder of Health Care Voices. She is a stage 4 cancer survivor, and the Affordable Care Act saved her life. If you’re interested in connecting with Laura to discuss the Build Back Better Act or America’s health care system more generally, please reach out to abigail.shepard@firesidecampaigns.com.
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